Yesterday, I completed reading "Hamlet's Dresser: A Memoir" by Bob Smith. He was a dresser or aide for Shakespearean actors, including the renowned Katherine Hepburn. At one point, he began reading Shakespeare to senior citizens, enabling them to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the Bard's works. I picked up this book at McKay's in Chattanooga due to its connection to Shakespeare. Ever since writing a high school essay on some of the sonnets, I have developed a deep love for Shakespeare, although at times, deciphering what he was trying to convey can be stubbornly difficult. The narrative skillfully weaves in a significant amount of Shakespeare, mostly from the plays.

In a way, "Hamlet's Dresser" is also a sad story because of Smith's relationship with his parents and others, which made his life very different from that of a normal school kid. Shakespeare served as Smith's coping mechanism. His younger sister, Carolyn, suffered from profound mental retardation and moderate to significant physical disabilities due to complications at birth attributed to cerebral palsy. Her parents didn't know how to cope, and a substantial portion of the burden and blame was placed on Smith. Carolyn's story serves as a reminder of how far we have come since the early 1940s in dealing with the severely disabled, yet a lot still remains to be done. So much was unknown back then, and the stigma of "not being right" prevented those who needed help from receiving it. Carolyn's story is not just about therapy and training; it's about giving the severely disabled a chance at life while also allowing their loved ones to live.

The narrative initially drew me in, and I'm glad I read the book. However, the flow was somewhat choppy, with halting and hesitation. This led to stop-start reading and re-reading. Additionally, there were times when the time periods were so intertwined that it became confusing. To me, it was like being in a dream, slipping from one time period to another and then to the next without any clear break. Overall, despite its flaws, "Hamlet's Dresser" offers an interesting perspective on Shakespeare and the challenges of dealing with a disabled family member.

Mixed feelings涌上心头 regarding this book. I initially gave it three stars, but then bumped the rating up to four stars, solely to mirror the beauty of the writing. I have always been a fan of a well-crafted phrase and an author who has the ability to paint vivid word pictures. The insertion of Shakespeare's words to illustrate incidents and reflections of events in his life was also a delight. However, one aspect that I had difficulty with was the telling. It跳跃 around so much between the past and the present, as well as between childhood and adulthood, that I had trouble following it as a coherent life story. But perhaps that was precisely the point. There was little resemblance to a typical childhood, and he was prematurely thrust into adulthood. It took me a while to read this book, but in the end, it was worth the effort. Come to think of it, it was kind of like reading Shakespeare.

In this particular case, the term "Dresser" refers to a wardrobe person. At the tender age of 17, Smith managed to secure a job as a dresser for the Stratford Shakespeare festival in Stratford, Connecticut. This opportunity allowed him to come face to face with some renowned stars such as Katherine Hepburn.

However, what this memoir truly delves into is the profound impact that the beauty of Shakespeare's plays and poetry had on him during his tumultuous childhood. His younger sister was born with cerebral palsy, which left her crippled. When their mother was overcome with the situation (which occurred frequently), it fell upon Smith to take care of his sister and handle her messes. Despite the challenges, he cherished his sister deeply and suffered greatly for her. It was indeed a heart-wrenching and sorrowful situation.

Smith's experiences with Shakespeare's works provided him with a source of solace and strength during those difficult times. The power of the plays and poetry helped him to find meaning and hope in the midst of adversity. His memoir serves as a testament to the transformative power of art and the importance of family bonds.

I truly loved this book.

There is no doubt that you can come across numerous other literary tomes that deal with the same subject matter. However, what sets this one apart is the abundance of heart and feeling that it is filled with.

The author has managed to infuse every page with genuine emotions, making it a truly captivating read.

It's not just about the words on the page; it's about the connection that the reader forms with the story and the characters.

This book has the power to touch your heart and leave a lasting impression.

Whether you're a lover of literature or simply looking for a good read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

It is a book that starts to smile as soon as you start to read it, and that smile doesn't go away, even if it turns into emotion, tears, pain, sweetness, empathy, passion... Many times you would like to be there to embrace the protagonist, and those who love the theater cannot but be carried backstage, cannot but live with trepidation the moments that make up a show and that a spectator never lives.... Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. A book to "own", and to give to those who are not afraid to let themselves go to the words!

This wonderful book has the power to captivate readers from the very beginning. The initial smile it brings gradually evolves into a myriad of complex emotions. As you turn the pages, you find yourself deeply involved in the story, feeling a strong connection with the protagonist. The vivid descriptions of the theater world make it impossible for theater enthusiasts to resist. They are drawn into the backstage, experiencing the excitement and anticipation that come with putting on a show. This book is not just a collection of words; it is a journey of the heart. It is a must-have for those who appreciate the beauty of language and are willing to open themselves up to the power of storytelling. Whether you keep it for yourself or share it with others, it is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Autobiography of Bob Smith.

It retraces his entire childhood and reconstructs the whole path that led him to be passionate about Shakespeare. His growth is littered with numerous difficulties, from his sister's handicap to the role of a young adult that is given to him within the family. Since childhood, he is called upon to mediate between his sister and his parents who had difficulty managing her illness. In this context, the theme of suicide, death, and the search for one's place in the world is added.

The account alternates with the present, in which the author has meetings with the elderly about Shakespeare. These meetings seem to bring a new perspective to his understanding of life and the works of Shakespeare. It is as if through these conversations, he is able to find some sort of solace and connection to a world that is both familiar and yet so different from his own.

Overall, Bob Smith's autobiography is a poignant and engaging look at a life filled with challenges and the power of literature to bring meaning and hope.

I was never quite certain about our precise location in time and space within the pages of this book. It had a rather disjointed feel to it. The story seemed to jump around, making it difficult to fully immerse oneself in a continuous narrative. However, despite this drawback, the book managed to rekindle a long-lost love for Shakespeare within me. The references to his works and the exploration of his themes brought back memories of the countless hours I had spent studying and欣赏 his plays. It was as if a dormant passion had been awakened, and I found myself eager to revisit his masterpieces and discover new depths within them.

Unfortunately, the book is out of print. However, Bob Smith has managed to convey in these pages a magnificent work of introspection filled with moments of joy and, above all, suffering. It is a book that should be read and then... given as a gift!

This book offers a unique and profound exploration of the human experience. Through his words, Smith takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering the hidden emotions and thoughts that lie within us all. The moments of joy are like rays of sunshine breaking through the clouds, bringing a sense of hope and happiness.

But it is the moments of suffering that truly make this book powerful. Smith does not shy away from exploring the darker side of life, but rather uses it as a means to connect with the reader on a deeper level. By sharing his own experiences of pain and loss, he allows us to empathize and understand our own struggles.

Overall, this is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in exploring the human psyche and finding meaning in life's experiences. And it makes a wonderful gift for someone special, as it has the power to touch hearts and change lives.

Inspiring and moving, this personal memoir takes us on a journey through a difficult childhood. The author vividly describes the hardships and challenges faced during those early years, painting a picture of a life filled with struggle and uncertainty.

However, it is the redemptive power of Shakespeare that emerges as a shining light in the darkness. Through the works of the great playwright, the author discovers a world of beauty, wisdom, and hope.

Shakespeare's words become a source of inspiration and comfort, helping the author to find meaning and purpose in life. The memoir shows how the power of literature can transform a person's life, providing a way out of the darkness and into the light.

Overall, this is a powerful and poignant memoir that will touch the hearts of readers and leave them with a newfound appreciation for the redemptive power of Shakespeare.

This is one of the most exquisitely written memoirs that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It details how Shakespeare's plays quite literally rescued Smith's life.

The writing within it is simply gorgeous, filled with vivid descriptions and a profound understanding of the power of Shakespeare's works.

If you happen to be a Shakespeare fan, then this author has truly managed to bring this great playwright to life in a manner that is rarely witnessed off the stage.

It's as if the characters and stories leap off the page and into your imagination, allowing you to experience the magic and beauty of Shakespeare in a whole new way.

The memoir not only offers insights into Smith's personal journey but also provides a unique perspective on the enduring influence of Shakespeare's plays.

It's a must-read for anyone who has an appreciation for literature and the transformative power of great art.

Haven't you always sat on that step since the very first rehearsal?

It seems as if you have been there, firmly planted, through every single practice session.

Haven't you had tears in your eyes every time?

Those emotions well up within you, impossible to contain, as you witness the beauty and wonder unfold before your eyes.

Haven't you understood that it's a kid watching the magic of a play that's the stuff of dreams?

It's not just about the actors on the stage or the elaborate sets. It's about the pure joy and excitement that a child experiences when they are transported into a different world, a world of make-believe and imagination.

This is what makes the theater so special, so enchanting.

It has the power to touch our hearts and souls, to make us believe in the impossible, and to inspire us to dream big.

So, the next time you find yourself sitting on that step, with tears in your eyes, remember the magic that you are witnessing and the dreams that it is fueling.

This was truly a really lovely read.

It is a memoir where Bob Smith shares his life story. He grew up in a dysfunctional family, facing many challenges. One of the major responsibilities he had was to manage his mentally damaged younger sister. As time passed, he eventually left home, and this decision made him feel a great deal of guilt.

What I really loved about this story is that he fell in love with Shakespeare at an early age. This passion led him to spend most of his life working in the theatre or running tutorials for elderly people on Shakespearean plays.

The book is filled with interesting extracts from Shakespeare, which add depth and charm to the narrative. Moreover, it is also a beautiful celebration of old people, which is something very rare in our society. It shows the importance and value of the elderly, and how they can still have a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Overall, this memoir is a wonderful and inspiring read that will touch the hearts of many readers.